There are a few concerns for anyone paddling the shores of Vancouver Island this summer. 1) The cougars are getting hungry again. Though we had a kayaker attacked by a wolf a while ago, it was found to be fed regularly by humans. But the cougars are short on deer meat this year, and small children/animals may be in danger. A young kayaker was attacked a few days ago on a guided trip. She survived. See: <http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/local/75954_brfs25.shtml> 2) There has been a fungal outbreak along the eastern shores of Vancouver Island. The flesh eating disease scare is over, but this new problem brings about meningitis and death if left untreated once contracted. Even dolphins have succumbed. IT IS NOT WIDESPREAD. It is clustering more than elsewhere in the world, here, however. Australia has some similar problems. See: <http://www.bccdc.org/epidemiology/epidpdf/advisory_02Jun6_crypto.pdf> 3) Paddlers are being warned about a young killer whale in Nootka Sound who has been separated from his family for some time now. He is healthy, but likes to play with boaters. He steals ors or anything else you give him. The playful whale often circles a boat, nudging it about and refusing to let you go. Officials are worried kayakers might be capsized. 4) The new liberal government is decimating the public service sector (75% of my co-workers are gone in my department alone). Expect delays, frustrated public servants, greater costs, and reduced services in BC. 5) The RCMP are keeping a keen eye out for Americans visiting our shores and islands who have not checked in to the closest available customs office. It is a real pain to go out of one's way depending on destination. You can't land anywhere along the way once in Canadian waters (if doing a crossing, say, unless its an emergency). There are seasonal offices to lighten the burden of how far out of one's way one has to go -- however. Tour companies are getting nailed, and the operators receiving stiff fines -- as well as the clientele. So Sandy, when ya all coming to Vancouver Island? :-) DL *************************************************************************** PaddleWise Paddling Mailing List - Any opinions or suggestions expressed here are solely those of the writer(s). You must assume the entire responsibility for reliance upon them. All postings copyright the author. Submissions: PaddleWise_at_PaddleWise.net Subscriptions: PaddleWise-request_at_PaddleWise.net Website: http://www.paddlewise.net/ ***************************************************************************
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